Flashmob dance, run - Delhi’s fun ways to fight corruption

NEW DELHI - Don’t be surprised if you see a group of youngsters breaking into an impromptu jig at a mall or even at the India Gate. Students of Delhi University have planned flashmob dances and a run as novel ways to protest against corruption.

A flashmob is a group of people who assemble in a public place all of a sudden, perform an unusual act and then disperse.

The flashmob dances and run, which will see 50-100 students participating, may take place anywhere in the city, according to Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) secretary Neetu Dabas. It maybe in malls, near the India Gate war memorial or in the north campus near the university.

These events will act as a run-up to a four-kilometre marathon Feb 8 to highlight the message against corruption and encourage students to fight it, Dabas said.

The tagline for the marathon is “I am running against corruption”.

“Corruption in India seems to be a billion-dollar industry. It sends a wrong message to the youth, especially students. It is a malaise endemic to everyday life and the education sector has not remained unaffected,” Dabas said in a statement.

Dharmendra Singh, the union’s sports secretary, added: “As part of the campaign, we are also organising quiz competitions and other interactive activities in the campus to raise awareness against corruption. We are also organising self photo-shoots.”

The DU marathon with social issues as its focus was started in 2008. Last year its focus was the fight against terrorism.